Quite simply, they have underachieved - they have received a rollicking and rightly so

Sir Alex Ferguson,Man Utd manager

The United captain inadvertently sparked wild scenes of celebration for the home fans in the last ever Premiership derby to be played at the ground as his mistake led to Shaun Goater's crucial first-half goal.

England defender Neville, under pressure from the dogged Goater, inexplicably attempted to turn the ball back to his goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

But his scuffed pass was snaffled by Goater, who beat Barthez with a crisp low finish on 26 minutes.

Maine Road goals

5 mins: Anelka pounces on Barthez fumble to score

8 mins: Solskjaer sweeps home equaliser

26 mins: Gary Neville's mistake lets in Goater to make it 2-1

50 mins: Berkovic tees up Goater for his 100th City goal

It was the major turning point in a game full of twists and every Neville touch for the remaining 36 minutes before the hapless United captain was substituted was greeted by a City cheer.

And there was plenty for the home side to shout about as Kevin Keegan's side recorded an extraordinary third successive league win - and their first ever Premiership victory over United.